Herpes and Alzheimer's, let's discuss the connection.
In a new review article published in the journal Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience the most recent evidence supporting this theory has been summarized. While the idea that neurodegenerative disease could be linked or even caused by viral infections is not new, however the hypothesis that Herpes Simplex Virus 1 is a major causal factor for Alzheimer's has been controversial.
The amyloid hypothesis has dominated the research but a few scientists have rekindled that viral hypothesis. Much of the data summarized comes from an article discussing population data released from Taiwan, finding that people infected wit HSV1 were much more likely to develop senile dementia.
The study looked at over 8,000 subjcts over the age of 50 who were newly diagnosed with HSV1 or HSV2 and then matched with a control group of over 25,000 similarly aged subject with no HSV infections. Over the next 10 years, the HSV group were 2.5 times more likely to develop dementia than the control group. Also, interestingly, the HSV-infected subjects that were treated with an anti-herpes drug were 10 times less likely to develop dementia than the infected but untreated subjects. (Haridy, 2018)
While the evidence is still mostly observational, with no clear link established yet, the research team suggests that the growing body of data may be convincing enough to expand research into the development of a HSV1 vaccine and broader investigation into antiherpes antivirals as possible Alzheimer's treatment.
Researchers are still very skeptical of this emerging theory as there is still not enough causal evidence.
We recognize elevated heavy metals that cross the blood brain barrier as risk factors for Alzheimer disease. We test and treat heavy metal toxicity with I.V. ozone chelation therapy. It's safe, effective, advanced treatment that prevents further damage.
Second Nature Care Better Brain Health.
